Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L vs. GORUCK GR3
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×31×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 26% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L | Feature | GORUCK GR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 7.9-oz 210-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a TPU coating | 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel |
Key differences between the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L and GORUCK GR3
- Hip belt: Yes on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; No on the GORUCK GR3.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; Removable on the GORUCK GR3.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; 17in on the GORUCK GR3.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; 4 on the GORUCK GR3.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 48 accept both. 2 accept only the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L, and 37 accept only the GORUCK GR3.
Only the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L fits
Caribbean Airlines, Croatia Air.
Only the GORUCK GR3 fits
Air Asia, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L vs. GORUCK GR3: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR3 carries 7L more than the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L (38L vs. 45L), while the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 2.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the GORUCK GR3 fits 45% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR3; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L is the better call.